Jetstar launches Japan sale with free return flights

It's always been appealing for its snow, shopping, quirky culture and amazing food.

But there's one key holiday factor that's making Japan even more attractive than ever - it's now ridiculously cheap to get there.

The latest Jetstar sale sees half-price flights up for grabs as part of its return for free offer.

Fares start from $289* from Cairns to Tokyo - which, factoring in the free return flight, equates to a rate of $144.50 each way.

Return flights to Tokyo (Narita) start from $319 from the Gold Coast, $429 from Brisbane, $430 from Sydney, $472 from Melbourne and $490 from Adelaide.

Return flights to Osaka start from $299 from Cairns, $439 from Brisbane, $482 from Melbourne and $484 from Sydney.

Flights are for selected dates between November 2017 and July 2018 (excluding December-January).

The airline's return for free offer runs until 11.59pm (AEST) Wednesday, September 20.

The sale comes as new data from Kayak.com.au revealed searches for Japan are up by 32 per cent among Australian travellers in 2017 compared with last year.

And searches for Osaka jumped a whopping 88 per cent.

"Japan is one of the hottest destinations for travelling Aussies at the moment and it's easy to see why," says Kayak's Robin Chiang.

"The country offers unique cultural experiences that couldn't be further from everyday life in Australia, making it the perfect holiday location for those wanting a taste of the extraordinary."

Lonely Planet has also identified emerging Japanese destinations as some of Asia's biggest drawcards, with Yokohama and Kamakura, south of Tokyo, along with Takayama named among the top 10 next hot destinations of this year's Best in Asia list.

FINE PRINT:

*Book a Jetstar outbound starter fare and you will receive a return starter fare for free. Only available from the same arrival and departure ports. Return travel dates may differ, check before you book. Checked baggage not included. Selected flights, selected travel and conditions apply.